Novation Launch Control finally brings back the smart, little encoder box

The best thing about Launch Control XL is that it has faders. The best thing about Launch Control is that it doesn’t — and fits into a small space. It really is that simple, if contradictory, thanks to intelligent features shared between the two.

New in Bitwig land: Brazilian beats, controller tips, v6 beta this month

Bitwig is having a hot, packed summer. And there’s one big teaser: we don’t know anything about it yet, but Bitwig Studio 6 beta is coming on August 27, as revealed briefly on Bitwig’s socials. In the meantime, let’s play with some Brazilian beats and explore controller integration.

Peter Kirn - August 15, 2025

Novation’s Launch Control XL 3 fader box, the update we were waiting for

An affordable bank of faders and controls is so sought-after that Novation could have just slightly refreshed Launch Control XL to some applause. But XL 3 does more than that: it’s a fully fleshed-out update with deeper control, more buttons and transport, more customization, a display, and now full-sized 5-pin MIDI I/O.

Peter Kirn - May 8, 2025